Clywch abuse case inquiry reopened

The children’s commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke, is to
reopen the Clywch inquiry into alleged abuse at a school in south
Wales.

The inquiry, the first of its kind in the UK, was set up to
examine alleged abuse by John Owen, who taught drama at Rhydfelen
comprehensive near Pontypridd, before going on to become an
award-winning children’s TV writer. He killed himself last year a
day before he was to stand trial accused of abusing pupils in his
care, and following his death his alleged victims campaigned for an
independent inquiry.

The commissioner decided to launch the inquiry in March. But the
examination of the circumstances surrounding the abuse was halted
two months ago when the police decide to investigate fresh
allegations made by alleged victims against five teachers named by
two of Owen’s former pupils.

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that no further
action will be taken against the five, who were alleged to have
been implicated in incidents of abuse by Owen.

The mother of one of the alleged victims expressed anger at the
decision, but solicitor Lynda Roberts, who is acting for the former
pupils, said although some of her clients were disappointed, they
were happy to take part in the inquiry when it resumes. The inquiry
is to reopen in the autumn.

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